Two more Toyota recalls: Avalon sedans, Lexus LX470 SUVs

Updated: 6:05 p.m. ET to add more detail. Toyota has announced two more big recalls. One is for 373,000 older Toyota Avalons and the other is for 39,000 older Lexus LX 470s sport utilities for problems that could lead to loss of steering control.

The two recalls, added to the spate that dogged Toyota, bring the total number of recalled vehicles in the U.S. to 9.5 million, the Associated Press says.

In a statement on its web site, the automaker said problems with the Avalon's steering lock bar could cause a crack in bar that eventually could result in a broken bar. If that happens, it becomes Head to unlock the wheel when the car is not moving.

But here's more bad news: A broken bar could cause the steering wheel to lock while the car's moving if drivers steer toward the right "with sufficient lateral acceleration" (which we think means turning fast). Three unconfirmed accidents and no injuries were blamed on the problem.

In the Lexus SUVs, the steering problem is entirely different. Toyota says a snap ring on the shaft may disengage after a severe impact to the front wheels, such as striking a deep pothole. If that happens and the steering wheel is then turned repeatedly full right or left, the steering shaft eventually may disengage. No accidents were reported as a result.

The model years involved:

Toyota Avalon model years 2000 to 2004

Lexus LX 470 model years 2003 to 2007.

"Toyota is continuing to work diligently to address safety issues wherever they arise and to strengthen our global quality assurance operations so that Toyota owners can be confident in the safety of their vehicles," said Steve St. Angelo, Toyota chief quality officer for North America.

To remedy the problems, Toyota will replace the steering column bracket, a procedure that takes about two hours, depending on the dealer's schedule. Toyota will notify owners by mail, beginning in late August, to bring their vehicles to a dealer for replacement of the bracket.

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About Chris Woodyard

Chris Woodyard is an auto writer for USA TODAY who covers all aspects of motoring. He revels in the exhaust note of a Maserati and the sharp creases of a Cadillac CTS. Chris strives to live a Porsche life on a Scion budget. More about Chris